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r/overlanding•
just1more_question

Is there a height adjustable roof-rack suggestion/solution for trailers?

I'm in the brain storming session of a trailer build. I'm looking at the millions of overlanding trailer setups and all of the self builds have some type of pickup truck bed rack system used for their RTT.

*I'm wondering if anyone has constructed or bought a system that can be lowered to decrease wind resistance while being towed, and raised while in use, instead of permanently sitting high with a large gap between it and the trailer.*

Any thoughts or examples out there? I'm not against building a winch/pin securing system.

Posted Feb 27, 2023, 5:23 PM UTC

218
CalifOregonia•

I have seen rack options that are height adjustable when unloaded, but I assume you are looking for one that will go up with stuff on top of it? Accomplishing that would likely requires some fairly heavy duty gas struts or another complicated mechanism to provide mechanical advantage.

3
just1more_questionOP•

Yeah, basically I want the RTT tent, any awnings, etc. already mounted to a system that I can raise once I get to base camp.

I'm picturing telescoped tubes with a winch to raise it, but I imagine there are many ways to get this done.

1
Pestelence2020•

This is probably the way to do it if you want to do it yourself. You’re on the money with the telescoping tubes. The real question is “How to lift and lower it.”

Winch would be a great option, just a matter of how you run the cable

1
A_bike_guy•

I would suggest looking at the following for ideas - https://tribetrailer.com/ - their roof rack raises and lowers and the awning moves in and out for travel.

https://habitatoffroad.com/products/tent-rack-lift-strut-kit-smittybilt-scout - gas strut lift kit for raising a tent that is lowered for travel

https://youtu.be/_UMdX0C3xjI - how to build an adjustable awning rack.

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swck1•

One my setup I used 1.5 uppers and 1.75 lowers.

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just1more_questionOP•

what did you do to keep it structurally sound, like to keep it from falling over or in a solid/square shape?

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swck1•

If I can describe it right, The lower tubes are tied to the frame and the upper tubes are tied together front to back and side by side. So far no problems.

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apathetic_duck•

I built one with square tubing and 4 linear actuators to lift. It lowers below my truck rook and raises to open the trailer lid all the way and use my tent vestibule at an appropriate height. I have safety pins at the bottom and top to keep in place off road or so it's locked up when in the tent.

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just1more_questionOP•

Got any pictures of the build up? Was it difficult to source the build parts?

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apathetic_duck•

No, the steel came from my local metal yard. The linear actuators came from ebay, they are 24" stroke actuators. It won't let me attach any photos.

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just1more_questionOP•

And is it setup in a way that you have to manually lift it (with the actuators' help, or does it lift independently?

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apathetic_duck•

It lift independently, just hold the switch until it reaches the height you want or maxes out.

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Arinvar•

Look at caravans. They've been using these systems to raise the roof for decades.

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just1more_questionOP•

Will do! Does it go by any particular name so I can image search it easier?

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Arinvar•

I don't know the name of any particular system or brand. The only thing I can think of is the gears they use are called a "work drive". But that is I general term for the style of gears so might not be much help.

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swck1•

Take a look at Dinoot.com and look through the forums or pic gallery, there is at least one example.

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just1more_questionOP•

That's a good idea, using 2" square tubes. Might be able to rig up some sliders for vertical tubes.

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Pestelence2020•

Hydraulic jack and tube steel with cotter pin holes that telescope? Use jack to lift it, cotter pins to secure it?

1